Snow blower or shovel? Snow blower or shovel?

The snow has arrived in amounts deep enough to bring out the shovels and snow blowers.

File photo • Associated Press

Our question this week: "Which is the most effective for you -- a snow blower or a snow shovel?" Post your response, and it may be included in next Sunday's Chronicle HomeFront section.

Some swear by shovels, saying they can do the sidewalk or driveway in less time than it takes to pull out and start the snow blower.

Others point to the ease with which a blower can remove large mounds of snow.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

"Which is the most effective for you -- a snow blower or a snow shovel?"

Post your response under "Post a comment," and it could be included in next Sunday's Chronicle HomeFront section.

Don't forget to include your initials and hometown, township or village.

WHEN TO GET RID OF A TOILET

Toilets sometimes mean trouble.

That's the case for at least one Chronicle reader.

Last week, M.T. wrote that since installing a new toilet six years ago, it has been necessary to replace the entire inner workings of the tank twice as well as the flapper.

The toilet still doesn't work properly. It leaks and runs if the handle isn't held down while flushing.

Our reader's question: "When is it time to give up and replace the entire toilet?"

At our house, we've installed upstairs toilets three times -- and those toilets were not inexpensive.

The first toilet quit flushing properly when mineral deposits from the water eventually built up and clogged the holes under the rim.

As many experts suggest, we tried to break up the deposits by running a stiff coat hanger wire through the holes. That didn't work -- even when a plumber tried it -- so we replaced the toilet.

The bone color in the bowl of the next toilet quickly became stained and never looked clean despite our tender loving care.

When it came time to redo the bathroom, it was time to redo the toilet as well.
This time, we were determined the next toilet was going to last. We swallowed hard and decided to spend what we could to ensure a problem-free model.

We chose an expensive low-flow model with an insulated tank to eliminate sweating. Perfect! A toilet that works, helps save the planet and won't sweat!

We were right about one thing: The toilet doesn't sweat. That makes
a big difference on the hardwood floor.

But it's not reliable when it comes to actually working or helping save the planet. It often takes two flushes or doesn't flush at all.

The inner workings of the tank were replaced under warranty after less than a year.

It's still temperamental and requires the proper touch and all-to-frequent internal adjustments to flush properly.

Still functioning solidly after 26 years, however, is the $50 Briggs toilet we purchased from Keene Lumber Co. in 1982.

Installed in the main-floor half-bath while our house was under construction, all it has ever required is a few new flappers.

Sure, it uses lots of water and sweats, but it does flush and does it well.

But what to do now about a troublesome toilet? Some have had good success with inexpensive all-in-one toilets. The bowl, tank, wax seal and everything else that's needed comes in one box.

Another suggestion: Call a contractor you trust and ask what they use.

But our experience has been this: Buy a cheap toilet. It should last a good, long time.

Winterizing revisited

Last week, reader "Jcramblet" complained that when he began using an outdoor wood-burning furnace to save on propane, the propane dealer charged more to fill up the tank less often. It amounted "to an increased price of $200" to fill the 500-gallon tank.

Reader "jjjnp" offers this advice:

"Fill-ups like that as far as propane go warrant buying your own tank. About three of those charges would pay for a new 500-gallon tank and allow you to price shop to get the best deal."